Why a Booktrail?
WW2: Set against the rich backdrop of World War II Italy, a story of love, hope , tragedy and bravery
The Garden of Letters
What you need to know before your trail
Portofino, Italy, 1943. A young woman steps off a boat in a scenic coastal village. But there are German officers waiting to check her poorly forged identity papers.A stranger offers her help and in desperate need, she follows him back to his home on the cliffs of Portofino.
Only months before, Elodie Bertolotti was a cello prodigy in Verona, but now world events – Mussolini’s Fascist regime – have thrown her into the burgeoning resistance movement. But she never wants to lose her music and that might be ultimately the one thing that saves her.
But who is this man who has rescued her and what secrets does he have to hide?
Travel Guide
Italy – Music and bravery.
The novel focuses on the Nazi invasion of Italy, both before,during and after the events which took place giving a full and brutal picture of how events unfold and how people who lived there were affected.
Verona
The musical heritage of Verona is delightfully brought to life with Elodie and her music. Her joy for her violin and for playing wonderful pieces is a delight that you can almost hear for yourself.
Portofino
This is where the story of the Italian resistance fighters forms as Elodie starts working as a courier. Thanks to her musical talent, she is able to pass information via codes hidden in musical scores. An ingenious way of how one ordinary girl can change so much.
In thee author note, Alyson Richman includes information on her research into the Italian Resistance. Some characters in the novel were actually historic figures, but not all of them would survive the events described.
Streetview Maps
A) Portofino - harbour
C) Verona - Musical theatre - did Elodie play here?
Booktrail Boarding Pass Information: The Garden of Letters
Author/Guide: Alyson Richman Destination: Portofino, Verona Departure Time: WW2
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